1. DOCTOR OR HOLOGRAM?

A hospital in Texas is using new technology called a hologram to let doctors visit patients without being in the same room. Crescent Regional Hospital in Lancaster, near Dallas, set up a special box that shows a life-sized image of a doctor. This hologram helps patients talk to their doctors even if they're at a clinic 30 miles away. The box uses electricity and the internet to work, and it has a big screen and good speakers to make the doctor look and sound real. This helps save time for doctors who don't have to drive long distances to see patients. The hospital hopes to use more of these hologram boxes in different places, like rural hospitals and even in mobile vans to help people who don't have many doctors nearby. Write a summary of this story, including 3 to 5 facts you learned.

2. HAWK ON THE COURT

Rufus the hawk has become a beloved fixture at Wimbledon, serving diligently for 16 years as the tournament's chief pigeon deterrent. Raised in Brigstock, Northamptonshire, Rufus began his tenure at Wimbledon in 2008 at just 16 weeks old. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for effectively keeping the courts free of unwanted pests, primarily pigeons. In 2012, there was a brief scare when Rufus went missing, but he was fortunately found and returned three days later, resuming his duties without issue. Despite the presence of another hawk, Rhea, this year, they did not work together during the tournament, as they were still in the process of getting Rhea accustomed to the surroundings. Donna Davis, Rufus's handler, has noted his calm demeanor and the positive reactions from people around him, indicating that Rufus seems content and unbothered by the presence of crowds. Harris hawks like Rufus typically live between 25 to 35 years, suggesting that as long as Rufus remains healthy and capable, he will likely continue his important role at Wimbledon for many years to come. Write a story from the perspective of Rufus the hawk and draw a picture to go along with it.

3. NEW TREATMENT

The Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug from Eli Lilly called Kisunla for treating Alzheimer’s disease, which affects older people. It’s given as an infusion every four weeks and helps slow down memory loss in people with early stages of the disease. The drug works by targeting amyloid in the brain, which is linked to Alzheimer’s. This approval gives doctors and patients another option to manage this challenging condition. The drug costs $32,000 for a year, and Medicare will likely cover it. Write a paragraph about why you think a new medication like this is important for people to know about.

4. INDEPENDENCE DAY AROUND THE WORLD

Last week, the United States celebrated its Independence Day on July 4. Countries around the world also celebrate their independence with special days. Algeria, which was ruled by France for 132 years, celebrates on July 5th with parades and traditional clothes. Iceland, once part of Denmark, celebrates on June 17th with parades and poems about their country. Indonesia, which won independence from the Dutch, has contests like climbing greased poles. Jamaica marks its freedom from Britain with parades and music competitions. Niger celebrates on August 3rd by planting trees. North and South Korea celebrate on August 15th, remembering their freedom from Japan. Pakistan and India celebrate on August 14th and 15th, marking their separation from Britain with ceremonies and sweet sharing. Peru celebrates on July 28th with parades and bonuses for workers. The Philippines celebrates on June 12th, remembering their independence from Spain with events online and in-person. Pick one of the countries mentioned here and, using books in your classroom or the internet, learn about their history and independence from a colonizing country. Then, write a paragraph about what you learned.

5. DEBATE STAGE

The first presidential debate of the 2024 election season took place recently between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The two candidates took turns answering questions about their policies and what they would each want to accomplish if given another four years to run the country. If you were able to write questions for the presidential candidates to answer, what would you want to know about their past, their plans for the future, or any other topics? Write down at least 5 questions you would want to ask and what that information would tell you if you were deciding who to vote for.